Senior Network Engineer

Senior Network Engineer (CCNP)
Location: Manchester (1-2 days onsite requirement)
Contract: 6 months
IR35 Status: InsideIR35

About the Role:

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Network Engineer to lead the design, optimisation, security, and resilience of a complex enterprise network environment.

You'll be responsible for supporting multi-site networks, enhancing network security, driving automation and cloud networking initiatives, and ensuring reliable connectivity across business-critical systems.

This is an excellent opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and play a key role in shaping network strategy within a highly technical organisation.

Skills & Experience Required:

• Extensive, expert-level experience in network engineering within enterprise environments.
• Strong switching and routing expertise, with knowledge equivalent to CCNP level or above.
• Deep understanding of enterprise networking protocols including BGP and OSPF.
• Significant experience with Firewalls, wireless networking and VPN technologies.
• Proven experience designing, implementing and securing complex multi-site network infrastructures.
• Hands-on experience with network automation, Scripting and Infrastructure as Code.
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills with the ability to remain calm and methodical during critical incidents.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership and drive technical outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead enterprise network engineering across switching, routing, Firewalls, wireless and VPN environments.
• Design, implement and secure multi-site networks supporting high-volume data transfer between locations.
• Manage, optimise and enhance enterprise networking platforms including technologies such as Palo Alto, Fortinet, Aruba, Juniper (Junos), Arista and similar solutions.
• Develop and support network automation initiatives using Python, Ansible, Terraform and Infrastructure as Code methodologies.
• Design and support networking across cloud platforms including AWS, Azure and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
• Drive root-cause analysis, incident resolution and continuous improvement of network performance and resilience.
• Lead network segmentation, security enhancement and zero-trust architecture initiatives.
• Collaborate with infrastructure, security and platform teams to deliver scalable and secure network services.
• Operate effectively within a dynamic environment where documentation may be limited and priorities can change quickly.

Desirable Experience:

Experience within gaming, VFX, animation, media production or other technically demanding creative environments.
Familiarity with Perforce infrastructure and the network requirements of large-scale build pipelines.
Experience delivering network segmentation programmes and/or zero-trust security implementations.
Exposure to AI-powered tooling and automation for infrastructure management and operational efficiency.